Why the 76ers Likely Keep Their Supporting Cast Intact Despite Trade Eligibility
December 15 marks a turning point in the NBA calendar-not just because it signals the final sprint toward Christmas, but because it opens the floodgates for trade season. From this date on, most players who signed contracts in the offseason become eligible to be moved. For the Philadelphia 76ers, that means nearly the entire roster is now fair game-except for Quentin Grimes, who remains the lone untouchable due to contract restrictions.
But just because players can be traded doesn’t mean they will be. In fact, when the trade chatter inevitably starts swirling around Philly, there are four names that are likely to stay out of the rumor mill: Trendon Watford, Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and Justin Edwards.
Trendon Watford: Value Far Beyond the Box Score
Watford might not be a household name, but he’s quietly become one of the more valuable role players on this Sixers squad. Signed to a two-year, $5.3 million deal back in July, Watford was the team’s only free agent addition this past offseason. He was brought in to shore up the power forward rotation after the departure of Guerschon Yabusele to New York-and that move has aged like a fine wine.
In his 14 appearances this season, Watford has averaged 8.9 points on an efficient 53.4% from the field and an impressive 38.9% from deep. Add in 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists, and you’ve got a player who contributes across the board. His skill set-ball-handling, off-ball movement, and playmaking-has added a layer of offensive flexibility that Philly lacked last season.
Even though he’s missed the last eight games with a strained left adductor, Watford’s production and chemistry with Tyrese Maxey (the two are close friends) give him staying power. For a player making just $2.5 million this season, he’s outperforming his contract in a big way. Unless the Sixers are putting together a blockbuster deal, Watford isn’t going anywhere.
The Veteran Presence: Lowry and Gordon Bring More Than Stats
Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon were brought in on veteran minimum deals, and while their on-court numbers are modest, their value lies in the intangibles.
Lowry, now in what could be the final chapter of a 20-year NBA career, has only appeared in four games this season. His averages-1.5 points and 1.3 assists-don’t jump off the page.
But that’s not the point. Lowry has essentially served as a coach on the floor, a trusted extension of head coach Nick Nurse.
With a backcourt full of younger talent, his leadership and game IQ have been vital in the locker room and during practice sessions.
Gordon, meanwhile, has embraced his role as a sharpshooter off the bench. In his limited four-game sample, he’s averaged 4.2 points while shooting a scorching 62.5% from beyond the arc. He’s also become a mentor to VJ Edgecombe, with the two sharing Bahamian roots-a connection that’s helped foster team chemistry off the court.
Neither veteran is likely to be moved. Their contracts are small, their presence is stabilizing, and they’re not the kind of assets you throw into a trade just to make the math work.
Justin Edwards: Struggling, But Still a Long-Term Bet
Then there’s Justin Edwards-a player whose season hasn’t gone quite as planned. After the Sixers declined his team option and re-signed him to a three-year, $7 million deal in July, expectations were high.
But through 22 games, Edwards has averaged just 5.6 points on 37.3% shooting. He’s struggled to knock down open threes, stay in front of his man defensively, and create offense off the bounce.
That said, Edwards is still just 21 years old. Last season, he flashed real 3-and-D potential, even showing glimpses of self-creation ability.
This year, the consistency hasn’t been there-but the upside remains. And at his price point, he’s still a valuable asset on a team-friendly deal.
Unless the Sixers are swinging for a major piece at the deadline, it’s hard to see them moving on from Edwards this early. He’s a local product, he’s cheap, and there’s still belief in what he could become.
The Bottom Line
With the trade window now wide open, the Sixers are in a position to make moves-but don’t expect a fire sale. Watford is producing at a high level on a bargain deal.
Lowry and Gordon bring invaluable leadership and playoff experience. Edwards, despite his sophomore slump, still holds long-term promise.
In a league where role players can make or break a playoff run, Philadelphia’s depth pieces are more than just filler-they’re part of the foundation. Unless a can't-miss opportunity presents itself, expect this core group to stay put as the Sixers gear up for the second half of the season.